Time to give and time to give back

I am a runner who hates running. I am a foodie. I am passionate about making Buffalo better. To help make that happen I give my time by volunteering and serving on committees for organizations and charities. I’ve found incredible rewards in being available and as a result, being there at the right time to help.

I initially joined the Ronald McDonald House Young Professionals Committee for networking opportunities, but was surprised by the rewarding experience I found instead. I was familiar with the charity from my mother donating to the Albany Ronald McDonald House, but I never had a full understanding of what the Ronald McDonald House offers and the support they provide families.

As a volunteer, chair of the Young Professionals Committee and member of the Marketing Committee, I see first-hand the impact of RMHC and appreciate the magnitude of what these families go through. This has only made me more aware of how much need there is. Without volunteers and people supporting their mission, the RMH can’t do what it needs to.

I’ve developed a huge level of respect for the employees and volunteers of the house and the families that stay at the house. The guest families and children deal with critical medical conditions day in and day out and they’re so strong. It’s inspirational and incredibly humbling.

Today, as the Chair of the Young Professionals Committee, I get to tell the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House story to many different people. Through the events the Young Professionals Committee hosts and by getting different organizations involved in the Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo 5K Run/Walk and “Cooks for Kids” program, we spread the word.

With the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House, donating time is valuable, and that I have to give and am more than willing to give. What we perceive as a small act of kindness has immeasurable impact on those we serve.